Silver Mountain Experience

About the museum

The Silver Mountain Experience is based at Llywernog, an old silver-lead mine in the Cambrian Mountains of Mid Wales, about 11 miles from Aberystwyth on the A44. The first workings date from around 1742. The mine grew in the nineteenth century and eventually reached a depth of more than 130 metres, helped by large waterwheels and later a steam engine. When silver-lead prices collapsed in the 1880s, the mine declined and later activity was brief.

By 1973 the site was derelict. After that it was restored and in 1974 opened to the public as the Llywernog Mining Museum, which makes it one of the long-established mining museums in Wales. The restored buildings date from the 1860s and are Grade II listed, and part of the upper site is a scheduled ancient monument. The museum shows mining tools, photographs, documents and machinery, and the site has working water wheels.

In 2012 the attraction was redeveloped to improve access to the underground areas and to appeal more to families, with actor-led tours, myths and legends, play areas and interactive features. The site announced a short pause in operation to review its future, and no reopening date has been given.

Highlights

• Guided A Miner’s Life tour of a mine more than 250 years old
• Mining museum with tools, photographs and documents
• Grade II listed mine buildings and working water wheels
• Family tours and trails, including A Dragon’s Tale and the Black Chasm
• Gem panning and play areas

Permanent exhibition

• Llywernog Mining Museum – Mining tools, photographs, documents and machinery from the Welsh lead-mining industry, together with the original count house and ore-dressing buildings.

Founded

1974

Admission & discounts

Before the pause, tickets were sold online and pre-booking was essential. Prices varied with the time of day and season. Carers and NHS, military and emergency services staff paid the concession rate (select the senior or student ticket when booking).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The site has steep slopes, uneven paths and steps, and the underground sections have narrow steps and low ceilings. The attraction states that it is not suitable for wheelchair access and has no accessible toilets. Pushchairs can be used on the surface with some difficulty but not underground.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

Family attractions included themed tours, gem panning, a fossil dig, water play and play areas. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult on all tours.

Getting there & parking

The site is on the A44, about 15 minutes from Aberystwyth. Enter the full address in a satnav.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Miner’s Rest Café can be visited without buying a ticket. A gift shop sells gemstone and mineral gifts. There are toilets, picnic areas and free parking.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The site can be hired for team-building days and parties, with catering from the on-site café; exclusive evening hire is also offered for paranormal investigations.

Plan your visit